WAITAKERE RANGES AND MURIWAI REGIONAL PARKS

WAITAKERE RANGES AND MURIWAI REGIONAL PARKS

Auckland is surrounded by areas of great biodiversity that are suitable for trekking and scenic tours. All of this is just a short drive form central Auckland. Walking through picturesque tracks scattered across a steep coastline you will visit native lush forest and frequent delightful waterfalls and breathtaking expanses of beach with black volcanic sand..

Waitakere Ranges Regional Park

Less than an hour away from Auckland, Waitakere Ranges are covered by thick forest and run for about 25 kilometres, covering 16,000 hectares with about 200 kilometres of interconnected walking tracks. A complex network of 147 tracks managing to cover almost every level of trekking ability from easy strolling to challenging walks.
To the west of the Waitakere, the ranges descend to the popular black sand beaches (Karekare, Piha, Te Henga (Bethells) and Muriwai) and the stormy and turbulent Tasman Sea.

Muriwai Regional Park

Muriwai black sand beaches are situated driving pass the Kumeu and Huapai vineyards and are very popular for surfing. This location is also home to one of the largest gannet colonies.
After a short walk a lookout is reached just above these bird colonies. This platform offers astonishing views of the gannet colonies and a panorama of the 60 kilometres long Muriwai Beach.